Real Estate Brokerage

My Present, My Future. I have returned to my roots as an active broker/Realtor. In 1968, as a young man of 21, I started my real estate career as a salesman. A few years later, I became a broker, and have remained a Realtor. In the recent past, my emphasis shifted to litigation appraisal issues. What you may not know is that I continued to work as a Realtor (for select clients).

Focus on Mature Market. Over the past decade I have been increasingly involved with the 55+ age group and Seniors in respect to real estate needs. In 2008, I launched my new course, the Accredited Senior Agent designation for Canadian Realtors. Over 2,500 Realtors have taken that course now. Two years ago I turned over the association to new leadership as it was time for me to focus on the practical side of what I have been teaching.

Professionals and their clients have trusted my integrity, professional knowledge, ethics and ability to get the job done. For these same reasons, I am welcoming all referrals for estates, families in transition and divorces as well. Although mainly focussed to 55+ and Seniors, I certainly help all ages.

Fact: Most good Realtors can list or sell a house but, few Realtors can offer a comprehensive service plan. Under my umbrella, I offer almost 40 professional services for my clients. I can make downsizing, moving, and transition easy for the family. I have professionals who can give the right advice, who can pack and unpack, who can deal with the heirlooms, the goods that need to be sold, to be donated or just given away.

As a real estate educator I have trained thousands of Realtors. Now, you can hire the Realtor who trained those Realtors.

In 2013, my first year back into full time residential sales in years, I had a very successful year. I handled estates, seniors downsizing, traditional sales and sold two condominiums to young, first time buyers. It was a very eventful and good year as I worked with some wonderful clients and their families.

In 2014 clients need real guidance, solid advice on pricing and marketing and the skills that I have honed from decades of experience with the ups and downs of markets.

Merely posting a property for sale is not enough. Today, a professional Realtor must create an exclusive website, bring in a professional photographer and promote the property across the internet inclusive of social media. Print media is all but extinct today with buyers.

One skill that seems to be missing by many is the art of negotiation. Emailed or faxed offers are too common and frankly I have never met a fax machine that I could negotiate with. Having attended courses at the University of Toronto and earning the professional designation of Arbitrator and Mediator, having sat on many hearings, having worked on countless offers has given me the negotiation skills to make deals happen. Sometimes deals that appear to be impossible can made and closed. "It is always your next move – Napoleon Hill" is my mantra.

The years I had as a mortgage broker also taught me that if a buyer is willing, there is mortgage for them. I still have access to private funding when conventional financing is not possible.

This leads to one fact – I do not just list a property, I market it! I work hard and my clients become happy and referral sources.

Realtors must offer full service and actually spend time with buyers and sellers. I have been referred by lawyers, accountants, trustees and the courts over my career – this is trust in the Lebow name, that I have nurtured through service and care.

I was honoured in 2011 to be presented with the seldom awarded Meritorious Award for lifetime achievement, ethics and contribution to organized real estate by the Toronto Chapter, Real Estate Institute of Canada. I value this greatly as it could only be achieved through the relationships I have made.